STEM
Course Outline
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is a required course for all 9th graders the last half of the year. The course is intended to use STEM concepts to introduce students to computer aided drafting (CAD), understand design processes, understand gear types and ratio’s, and building/programming mechanical systems (robotics), and explore career opportunities in STEM.
The STEM course addresses the interest and energy of students while incorporating national standards in mathematics, science, and technology. This activity-oriented, cutting-edge course shows students how technology is used in engineering to solve everyday problems. During the STEM experience, students will gain the skills they need to develop, produce, and use products and services.
The STEM curriculum provides project-based learning – a hands-on approach – that is exciting and challenging for the full range of students in today’s 9th grade classrooms. The curriculum relates technology to students’ daily lives. It promotes communication and collaboration by emphasizing a teaming approach in the instructional units. This approach utilizes the strengths of each team member to accomplish the goals of the project while offering students learning challenges at all ability levels.
Learning Procedures:
- Draw different projects on the computer to learn the fundamental operating system that will be used in future STEM and IT classes.
- Work in groups to develop, design, draw, and make a prototype of a new idea.
- Will learn applied mathematics through the construction and observation of mechanical systems.
- Will construct and program a robot to maneuver through a maze.
- Learn about different career fields related to engineering, designing, and programming.
Evaluation:
A. 30% Assignments
B. 30% Projects
C. 40% Tests, Quizzes